So Many Boys (The Naughty List #2)(59)

“Not Chris Townsend,” Joel answered, staring straight ahead.

“Nope. I pretty much burned that popularity bridge tonight, I think.”

Joel laughed to himself. “It’s kind of funny, me and you being all sad together. I’m pretty sure we’re the nicest people I know.”

I tsked and sat up, smiling at him. “You’re not all that nice, Joel. You make fun of me nonstop.”

He shrugged. “That’s because you can take it. Kira hated my jokes. In fact, she didn’t even think I was funny.”

But I didn’t believe that. His comedic timing was pure perfection; even Kira had to see that. But at the mention of her name, Joel seemed down again. I hated to see him like this.

“You and Kira are fine,” I said to him, nodding. “You’ll see.”

Joel turned to me, his eyes nearly amber in the streetlight shine. “What do you mean?” he asked. “Tessa, I’m not sure you—”

My phone vibrated again, making me jump. I sighed, unable to fight it much longer, and pulled it out to look at the number. “It’s Aiden,” I murmured.

“Want me to tell him to piss off?” Joel asked with a smile, holding out his hand.

I laughed. “No, better not. You’re way too classy for that.”

“Right,” Joel agreed. “Totally high class.”

I slid the phone back and grasped the door handle. “Thank you for the ride,” I said. “You saved me from humiliation.”

“I did?” he said, snapping his fingers. “Darn.”

I slapped his shoulder but then smiled. “I have to go in, okay?” The Smitten Kittens were probably wondering what had happened to me. I’d have to call them ASAP.

Joel smiled. “Okay. It’s always nice talking with you, Tessa. You’re a good friend.” He reached out to swipe a damp strand of hair behind my ear, and I tensed as a shiver ran down my back.

My breath caught as his hand paused on my ear just a second longer than necessary. “Uh…” I stammered, blinking quickly. “Thanks.” I pushed out into the rain, shutting the door quickly behind me.

My pulse was racing. I wasn’t sure what had just happened, but when he touched me like that, I…I…

I dashed up my driveway and paused under the porch awning before looking over my shoulder to the road. Joel waved once to me before turning on his car and pulling back into the street. And while I watched him go, there was one thing I was sure of.

Just then, that feeling I had—it was a lot more than just friendship.

(CODE PINK) SOS INTER-KITTEN COMMUNICATION

Dear Smitten Kittens,

Next weekend is the homecoming dance. We have a very sensitive sting operation in place to catch this knockoff Kitten, and please be mindful of your assigned position. This is one clever spy we’re trying to catch. (And for the record, I think it’s Mary Rudick. Just saying.)

Those of us not meeting at Tessa’s house before the dance should have the equipment in place at the gym prior to her arrival. Also, make sure to have both the police and emergency personnel on speed dial. And Izzie, remember it’s 9-1-1. Not 9-11. There is no 11 on the phone.

Good luck, Smitten Kittens. After this weekend, the real SOS will be back in business.

Keep smiling,

Leona ☺

CHAPTER NINETEEN

FOR THE ENTIRE WEEK, I KEPT MY DISTANCE FROM Joel, not just because it felt a little awkward now, but also because Kira shot me dagger stares every time his name was mentioned. Let’s just say she wasn’t all that appreciative of the ride home he gave me after the party—even when I’d explained myself three times.

And though at this point I had less than stellar feelings toward Mary, what she’d said about the drama—that the shift in captainship would strain mine and Kira’s relationship—rang true. But having to pretend-cheat with Kira’s boyfriend wasn’t going to make it any better.

In reality, I was doing this for her, for all of us. It was my responsibility to catch the copy-Kitten and save our high school. That was what the Smitten Kitten skirt stood for. And if I had to fake it to make it, so be it.

The day of the dance, the Smitten Kittens were huddled in my bedroom while I got dressed. Even though we’d all gotten our hair and makeup done together, I was the only one in a gown. They were dressed in black for the mission, but it was still kind of cute with the dangling earrings and updos. When I came in from the bathroom, Izzie clapped.

“Tess, you look beautiful!”

I smiled. The dress I had was awfully pretty. My mother had surprised me with it the weekend before. Unfortunately my parents were in Seattle this weekend, but I promised to take lots of pictures. I didn’t mention that some of the pictures would be of the spying variety.

My dress was a pale yellow with soft, shimmery fabric billowing out below my waist. Due to a conflict in the schedule, the homecoming game was moved to tomorrow, and luckily, between planning out this mission and navigating best-friend jealousy, I’d put together some fabulous cheers.

Leona looked over the top of the magazine she was reading as she lounged on my bed. “Looks better on you than it did while it was hanging up.”

“Thanks,” I said, blowing out a deep breath. In my depression, I’d ramped up my yoga routine, easily losing the five pounds to make this dress now look perfect. I missed my talks with Joel. And I wouldn’t even begin to think about Aiden.